Antenna and Attachment Method for Rechargeable Implantable Medical Device

ABSTRACT

Devices and methods are provided for an implantable medical device (IMD) comprising a device housing having electronic components therein, a feedthrough assembly joined to the device housing, an antenna assembly, and a header body mounted to the device housing and enclosing the antenna assembly and feedthrough assembly. The antenna assembly including an inner conductor, a dielectric material, and an outer conductor arranged to form a coaxial structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/268,981, filed Dec. 17, 2015. And Ser. No. 15/245,187 that issueson Nov. 19, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,483,628

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to implantablemedical devices, and more particularly to antenna and attachmentmechanisms for use with rechargeable implantable medical devices.

An implantable medical device (IMD) is a medical device that isimplanted in a patient to, among other things, monitor electricalactivity of a heart, and optionally to deliver therapy. An IMD mayrecord cardiac activity of a patient over time and report such cardiacactivity to an external device. The IMD device may optionally performvarious levels of sophisticated analysis of the cardiac activity andbased thereon perform additional recording operations. The IMD may alsobe configured to deliver appropriate electrical and/or drug therapy.Examples of IMDs include cardiac monitoring devices, pacemakers,cardioverters, cardiac rhythm management devices, defibrillators,neurostimulators and the like. The electrical therapy produced by an IMDmay include, for example, pacing pulses, cardioverting pulses, and/ordefibrillator pulses. The device is used to both provide treatment forthe patient and to inform the patient and medical personnel of thephysiologic condition of the patient and the status of the treatment.

In general, an IMD includes a battery, memory and electronic circuitrythat are hermetically sealed within a metal housing (generally referredto as the “can”). The metal housing typically is formed of titanium andincludes a shell with an interconnect cavity, in which the memory, pulsegenerator and/or processor module reside. The device housing isconfigured to receive a header assembly. The header assembly comprises amechanical structure which houses an antenna and a sensing electrode. Afeedthrough assembly is located at a header receptacle area and issealed to the device housing to form an interface for conductors toenter/exit the interconnect cavity.

Some IMDs communicate with external devices and/or other implanteddevices through an RF antenna. One of the primary requirements for an RFantenna operating within an implantable medical device is to fit withinthe small size of a device header while maintaining a satisfactory levelof RF performance. Conventional IMDs include an antenna that coexistswith other metallic structures in the header such as leads and connectorblocks.

However, recent developments with rechargeable IMDs have presented anadditional challenge. In at least one proposed rechargeable IMD, acharge coil is provided in the device header where the charge coil comesinto close proximity with the antenna. The charge coil both restrictsthe size of the antenna and creates a potential RF coupling effect withthe antenna. The coupling effect causes RF energy to leak out of theantenna to the coil where the RF energy is lost. The coupling effectdecreases the signal power exhibited by the antenna thereby degrading RFperformance.

Conventional antennas utilize antenna configurations that do not fitwithin the tight space requirements of a rechargeable IMD when thecharge coil in the header. Further, conventional IMD antenna, such asthe monopole or loop antennas, suffer undue degradation due to RFcoupling when the charge coil is added to the header.

A need remains for a new type of antenna that is both small and does notexperience undue performance degradation in the presence of nearby metalobjects like a charge coil.

Further, conventional attachment mechanisms that couple the antenna to afeedthrough experience certain limitations. In particular, conventionalattachment mechanisms complicate the assembly and manufacturing process.

A need remains for an improved attachment mechanism between thefeedthrough assembly and electronic components within the device header.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments herein, an implantable medical device(IMD) is provided comprising a device housing having electroniccomponents therein, a feedthrough assembly joined to the device housing,an antenna assembly, and a header body mounted to the device housing andenclosing the antenna assembly and feedthrough assembly. The antennaassembly including an inner conductor, a dielectric material, and anouter conductor arranged to form a coaxial structure.

Optionally, the dielectric material surrounds a perimeter of the innerconductor and the outer conductor surrounds a perimeter of thedielectric material. Optionally, the coaxial structure formed by theinner conductor, dielectric material and outer conductor is elongatedand extends along a longitudinal axis. Wherein the inner conductor, thedielectric material, and outer conductor are formed concentrically aboutthe longitudinal axis.

Optionally, the header body includes metallic components comprising atleast one or a sensor electrode and receptacles configured to receiveterminals on a lead. The coaxial structure avoiding RF coupling with themetallic components. Optionally the antenna assembly is formed with anellipse shaped cross-section that includes a major portion and a minorportion, the major portion corresponding to the coaxial structure formedbetween the inner and outer conductors and dielectric material. Theminor portion has a smaller diameter, relative to a diameter of themajor portion, the minor portion including a ground conductor having adistal end fixed within an opening in the outer conductor, the inner andground conductors extending in a common direction from a bottom surfaceof the antenna assembly.

Optionally, the inner conductor is elongated with a proximal end and adistal end, the inner conductor extending from a bottom surface of theantenna assembly by a predetermined length to at least partially tunethe antenna assembly to a select communication frequency. Optionally,the antenna assembly includes a distal surface where the innerconductor, dielectric material and outer conductor terminate, theantenna assembly configured to generate RF fields between the inner andouter conductors at the distal surface in connection with RFcommunications.

Optionally, the device further comprising a pin receptacle mountedwithin the header body, the pin receptacle electrically coupled to theantenna assembly. The pin receptacle includes a pin retention cavitytherein including a proximal end that is open to receive a feedthroughpin when the header body is mounted on the feedthrough assembly and thedevice housing. Optionally, the pin receptacle includes a spring mountedwithin the pin retention cavity, the spring configured to physically andelectrically engage the feedthrough pin when inserted into the pinretention cavity.

In accordance with embodiments herein, an implantable medical device(IMD) is provided comprising a device housing having electroniccomponents therein, and a feedthrough assembly joined to the devicehousing. The feedthrough assembly including a feedthrough pin coupled tothe electronic components within the device housing. The feedthrough pinhaving a distal end extending from the feedthrough assembly. The devicecomprising an antenna assembly, a header body enclosing the antennaassembly, and a pin receptacle mounted within the header body. The pinreceptacle including a pin retention cavity therein, the pin receptacleincluding a proximal end that is open to the pin retention cavity, thefeedthrough pin configured to be inserted into the pin retention cavitywhen the header body is mounted on the feedthrough assembly and thedevice housing.

Optionally, the pin receptacle includes a spring mounted within the pinretention cavity. The spring is configured to physically andelectrically engage the feedthrough pin when inserted into the pinretention cavity. Optionally, the pin receptacle includes a springhaving a base securely affixed to an interior surface of the pinretention cavity. The spring includes spring arms projecting from thebase into the pin retention cavity. The spring arms are configured todeflect when the feedthrough pin is inserted through the opening in theproximal end of the pin receptacle.

Optionally, the antenna assembly includes an inner conductor, adielectric material, and an outer conductor arranged to form a coaxialstructure, wherein the dielectric material surrounds a perimeter of theinner conductor and the outer conductor surrounds a perimeter of thedielectric material. Optionally, the dielectric material surrounds aperimeter of the inner conductor and an outer conductor surrounds aperimeter of the dielectric material.

Optionally, the antenna assembly is formed with an ellipse shapedcross-section that includes a major portion and a minor portion, themajor portion corresponding to the coaxial structure formed between theinner and outer conductors and dielectric material. Optionally, theminor portion has a smaller diameter relative to the diameter of themajor portion, the minor portion including a ground conductor having adistal end fixed within an opening in the outer conductor, the inner andground conductors extending in a common direction from a bottom surfaceof the antenna assembly.

In accordance with embodiments herein, a method provides an implantablemedical device (IMD). The method comprising assembly of a device housinghaving electronic components therein, joining a feedthrough assembly tothe device housing, providing an antenna assembly including an innerconductor, a dielectric material, and an outer conductor arranged toform a coaxial structure. And assembling a header body that embeds theantenna assembly therein to the device housing and enclosing the antennaassembly and feedthrough assembly.

Optionally, the method further comprising inserting a feedthrough pinextending from the feedthrough assembly into a pin retention cavity of apin receptacle electrically coupled to the antenna assembly when theheader body is mounted on the feedthrough assembly and the devicehousing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly inaccordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 1B illustrates an opposite perspective view of the antenna assemblyof FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of RF fields radiating from theantenna assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the antenna assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of a pin receptacle inaccordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly to beassembled with a device housing in accordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly to beassembled with a device housing in accordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly joined to adevice housing in accordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly joined to adevice housing in accordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an implantable medical devicein accordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for providing an implantable medical devicein accordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 10A illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly inaccordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 10B illustrates an opposite perspective view of the antennaassembly of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of a ground conductor inaccordance with embodiments herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an antenna assembly inaccordance with embodiments herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments asgenerally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations inaddition to the described example embodiments. Thus, the following moredetailed description of the example embodiments, as represented in thefigures, is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments, asclaimed, but is merely representative of example embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” (or the like) means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” or the like in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate opposite perspective end views of an antennaassembly formed in accordance with embodiments herein. With reference toFIG. 1A, the antenna assembly 100 includes an inner conductor 102, adielectric material 104, and an outer conductor 106. The inner conductor102, dielectric material 104 and outer conductor 106 are arrangedrelative to one another to form a coaxial structure. For example, thedielectric material 104 surrounds a perimeter of the inner conductor102, while the outer conductor 106 surrounds a perimeter of thedielectric material 104. The antenna assembly 100 may utilize variouscoaxial structures. In the example of FIG. 1A, the coaxial structure isgenerally tubular, with the inner conductor, dielectric material andouter conductor elongated to extend along a longitudinal axis 108. Theinner conductor 102, the dielectric material 104 and outer conductor 106are formed concentrically about the longitudinal axis 108. Optionally,the antenna assembly 100 may be formed in alternative coaxial structureswith alternative cross-sections, such as a rectangular cross-section,hexagonal cross-section, trapezoidal cross-section, oval cross-section,elliptical cross-section, triangular cross-section and the like.

The inner conductor 102 includes a distal end 110 and a proximal end112. The distal end 110 terminates substantially flush with a distalsurface 114 of the antenna assembly 100. Antenna assembly 100 alsoincludes a bottom surface 116, from which the inner conductor 102extends by predetermined distance 118.

FIG. 1B illustrates the antenna assembly 100 from an end opposite to theview illustrated in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, the bottom surface 116 is morevisible as well as the portion of the inner conductor 102 that extendsfrom the dielectric material 104. The proximal end 112 of the innerconductor 102 includes an opening 120 that opens onto a pin retentioncavity (described below in more detail in connection with FIG. 4) withinthe inner conductor 102. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the innerconductor 102 is shaped to form a pin receptacle (described below inmore detail in connection with FIG. 4). During the assembly, afeedthrough pin (extending from a feedthrough) is received through theopening 120 and extends into a pin retention cavity within the innerconductor 102.

The antenna assembly 100 is formed with an ellipse shaped cross-sectionthat includes a major portion 124 and a minor portion 126. The majorportion corresponds to the coaxial structure formed between the innerand outer conductors and dielectric material 102, 106 and 104. The minorportion 126 has a smaller diameter, relative to a diameter of the majorportion 124. The minor portion 126 also includes a ground conductor 128that extends into an opening within the outer conductor 106. The groundconductor 128 having a distal end 130 (FIG. 1A) fixed within an openingin the outer conductor 106. The distal end 130 terminates substantiallyflush with the distal surface 114 of the antenna assembly 100. Theground conductor 128 includes a proximal end 132. The proximal end 132includes an opening 134 (FIG. 1B) that opens onto an internal pinretention cavity (FIG. 4). During the assembly, a ground feedthrough pin(extending from a feedthrough) is received through the opening 134 andextends into a pin retention cavity within the ground conductor 128.

The inner and ground conductors 102, 128 extend in a common directionfrom the bottom surface 116 of the antenna assembly 100. The groundconductor 128 extends from the bottom surface 116 by a predetermineddistance 118 similar to a length of the inner conductor 102. Forexample, the ground conductor 128 may extend by the predetermineddistance 118.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of RF fields 202 radiating fromthe antenna assembly 100 in accordance with embodiments herein. DuringRF communications, a voltage differential is created between the innerand outer conductors 102, 106. The voltage differential gives rise to RFfields 202 emitting from the distal surface 114 of the antenna assembly100. The RF fields 202 radiate between the inner conductor 102 and theouter conductor 106. The RF fields 202 radiate uniformly or equally inall directions along the coaxial structure of the major portion 124 ofthe antenna assembly 100. For example, the RF fields 202 uniformlyradiate between the inner and outer conductors 102, 106 about thelongitudinal axis 108.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the antenna assembly 100 inaccordance with embodiments herein. The outer conductor 106 surrounds aperimeter of the dielectric material 104. The outer conductor 106 andthe dielectric material 104 are elongated along the longitudinal axis108. For example, the outer conductor 106 and the dielectric material104 extend between the distal surface 114 and the bottom surface 116 ofthe antenna assembly 100. The dielectric material 104 has an innerpassage 302. The inner passage 302 is hollow and extends between thedistal surface 114 and the bottom surface 116 along the longitudinalaxis 108. The inner passage 302 is shaped and sized to receive the innerconductor 102. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the innerpassage 302 and the inner conductor 102 are generally tubular in shape.Optionally, the inner passage 302 and the inner conductor 102 may beformed in an alternative shape and size with alternative cross-sections.For example, the inner passage 302 and the inner conductor 102 may beformed of any alternative mating shapes.

The minor portion 126 (of FIG. 1B) of the antenna assembly 100 includesa ground passage 328. The ground passage 328 is hollow and extendsbetween the distal surface 114 and the bottom surface 116 of the antennaassembly 100. The ground passage 328 is shaped and sized in order toreceive the ground conductor 128. In the illustrated embodiment theground passage 328 and the ground conductor 128 are generally tubular inshape. Optionally, the ground passage 328 and the ground conductor 128may be formed in any other alternative shape and size with alternativecross-sections. For example, the ground passage 328 and the groundconductor 128 may be formed of any alternative mating shapes.

The antenna assembly 100 is formed by molding the inner conductor 102within the inner passage 302 such that the distal end 110 of the innerconductor 102 is generally flush with the distal surface 114 of theantenna assembly 100. The ground conductor 128 is molded within theground passage 328 such that the distal end 130 of the ground conductor128 is generally flush with the distal surface 114 of the antennaassembly 100. The inner and ground conductors 102, 128 are held rigidlyrelative to the distal surface 114 of the antenna assembly 100 in amanner that eliminates axial movement and that eliminates rotation.

Optionally, the inner conductor 102 and the ground conductor 128 may befixed within the inner passage 302 and the ground passage 328,respectively, by various methods. For example, the inner and groundconductors 102, 128 may be fixed within the inner and ground passages302, 328 by casting, welding, mechanical fasteners, a tolerance pressfit, or the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the inner conductor 102.The inner conductor 102 and the ground conductor 128 are configured withthe same cross-sectional structure, therefore only the cross-section ofthe inner conductor 102 will be described in more detail. The innerconductor 102 is shaped to form a pin receptacle 402. The pin receptacle402 is electrically coupled to the antenna assembly 100. The pinreceptacle extends between the proximal end 112 and the distal end 110of the inner conductor 102. For example, the pin receptacle extends thepredetermined distance 118.

The pin receptacle 402 has a pin retention cavity 404 therein. The pinretention cavity 404 extends within the pin receptacle 402 along thelongitudinal axis 108. The pin retention cavity 404 is open at theproximal end 112. The pin retention cavity 404 extends between theopening 120 at the proximal end 112 of the pin receptacle 402 and aclosed end 412 proximate the distal end 110 of the pin receptacle 402.

The pin receptacle 402 includes a spring 406. The spring 406 is mountedwithin the pin reception cavity 404. The spring 406 is positioned withinthe pin retention cavity 404 proximate to the opening 120 at theproximal end 112.

The spring 406 has a spring base 408 and one or more spring arms 410.The spring base 408 is fixed within the pin retention cavity 404 nearthe opening 120. The one or more spring arms 410 project from the springbase 408 into the pin retention cavity 404. The spring arms 410 arebiased towards the longitudinal axis 108. The spring arms 410 areconfigured to deflect when the spring 406 receives a feedthrough pinthrough the opening 120 of the pin receptacle 402. For example, the oneor more spring arms 410 are configured to deflect away from thelongitudinal axis 108 when a feedthrough pin is inserted into the pinretention cavity 404. The one or more spring arms 410 are configured tophysically and electrically engage a feedthrough pin (described in moredetail below with FIGS. 5A and 5B). In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, the spring has two spring arms 410. Optionally, the spring 406may have any number of spring arms 410. Alternatively, the pinreceptacle 402 may have no spring arms.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a perspective view of the antenna assembly100 to be assembled with a device housing 505 in accordance withembodiments herein. A feedthrough assembly is joined to the devicehousing. The device housing 505 has one or more of electrical componentstherein. For example, the one or more electrical components mayrepresent transceiving circuitry such as one or more modems,transceivers, receivers, transmitters, or the like.

The device housing and a feedthrough assembly are part of an implantablemedical device (IMD). The IMD may be configured to monitor electricalactivity, and optionally to deliver therapy. For example, the IMD mayrecord cardiac activity of a patient over time, may report such cardiacactivity to an external device, and may perform various levels ofsophisticated analysis of the cardiac activity and based thereon performadditional recording operations. Recognized embodiments can beimplemented in any one or more IMDs of any one or more ofneurostimulator devices, implantable leadless monitoring and/or therapydevices, or alternative implantable medical devices. For example, theIMD may represent a cardiac monitoring device, pacemaker, cardioverters,cardiac rhythm management devices, defibrillators, neurostimulators,leadless monitoring devices, and the like. FIGS. 5A and 5B may representa device housing of a neurostimulator device. See for example U.S. Pat.No. 9,333,351 “Neurostimulation Method And System To Treat Apnea” andU.S. Pat. No. 9,044,610 “System And Methods For Providing A DistributedVirtual Stimulation Cathode For Use With An Implantable NeurostimulationSystem”, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally oralternatively, FIGS. 5A and 5B may represent a device housing of aleadless IMD. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 9,216,285 “LeadlessImplantable Medical Device Having Removable And Fixed Components” andU.S. Pat. No. 8,831,747 “Leadless Neurostimulation Device And MethodIncluding The Same”, which are hereby incorporated by reference.Additionally or alternatively, FIGS. 5A and 5B may represent a devicehousing of an alternative IMD. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 8,391,980“Method And System For Identifying A Potential Lead Failure In AnImplantable Medical Device” and U.S. Pat. No. 9,232,485 “System AndMethod For Selectively Communicating With An Implantable MedicalDevice”, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the antenna assembly100 is separate from the device housing 505. The antenna assembly 100 isembedded in a header body (not shown, described in more detail belowwith FIGS. 8 and 9). The opening 120 of the inner conductor 102 isaxially aligned with a feedthrough pin 502 extending through and in adirection generally away from a proximate surface 510 of the devicehousing 505. For example, the feedthrough pin 502 may extend by apredetermined distance 516. Additionally, the opening 134 of the groundconductor 128 is axially aligned with a ground feedthrough pin 504extending through and in a direction generally away from the proximatesurface 510. For example, the ground feedthrough pin 504 may extend bythe predetermined distance 516.

The inner conductor 102 and the ground conductor 128 are positioned inorder to receive the feedthrough pin 502 and the ground feedthrough pin504, respectively, into the pin receptacles of the inner and groundconductors 102, 128. For example, the inner conductor 102 and the groundconductor 128 receive the feedthrough pin 502 and the ground feedthroughpin 504 into the openings 120, 134, respectively, when the antennaassembly is loaded in a direction B along the longitudinal axis 108.

The one or more springs arms 410 retain the antenna assembly 100 on thefeedthrough pin 502 and ground feedthrough pin 504 of the device housing505. The spring arms 410 of the inner conductor 102 electrically andphysically engages the feedthrough pin 502 when the feedthrough pin 502is inserted into the pin retention cavity. For example, the antennaassembly 100 is operably connected with the electrical components of thedevice housing 505 when the spring arms 410 of the pin retention cavityof the inner conductor 102 electrically and physically engage thefeedthrough pin 502. Additionally, the spring arms 410 of the groundconductor 128 electrically and physically engage the ground feedthroughpin 504 when the ground feedthrough pin 504 is inserted into the pinretention cavity. The ground conductor 128 grounds the antenna assembly100 to the device housing 505 when the spring arms 410 electrically andphysically engage the ground feedthrough pin 504.

The antenna assembly 100 is joined to the device housing 505 by thefeedthrough pin and ground feedthrough pin 502, 504 received within theinner conductor and the ground conductor 102, 128. For example, thespring arms 410 (FIG. 4) of the pin receptacle of the inner conductor102 and the ground conductor 128 maintain a linear position of theantenna assembly 100 assembled onto the feedthrough pin 502 and groundfeedthrough pin 504. Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, the innerconductor and the ground conductor may be devoid of a spring. In analternative embodiment, an inner conductor and a ground conductor may bejoined to a feedthrough pin and a ground feedthrough pin by alternativemethods. For example, the alternative inner and ground conductors may bejoined to the feedthrough and ground feedthrough pins by soldering,welding, crimping, alternative mechanical fastening or the like.

FIGS. 5A and 5B include one or more of metallic components 512, 514. Themetallic components 512, 514 may comprise one or more of a sensorelectrode, connector blocks or receptacle configured to receiveterminals on a proximal end of one or more leads. The metalliccomponents 512, 514 are operably connected with the electricalcomponents within the device housing 505.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an antenna assemblyassembled to a device housing. An antenna assembly 600 has an innerconductor 602, a dielectric material 604, and an outer conductor 606(corresponding to the inner conductor, dielectric material and outerconductor 102, 104, 106 of FIG. 1). The inner conductor 602, dielectricmaterial 604 and outer conductor 606 are arranged concentric relative toone another to form a coaxial structure. The antenna assembly 600 mayutilize various coaxial structures. In the example of FIG. 6, thecoaxial structure is generally tubular, with the inner conductor,dielectric material and outer conductor elongated to extend along alongitudinal axis 608. The inner conductor 602, the dielectric material604 and the outer conductor 606 are formed concentrically about thelongitudinal axis 608.

The inner conductor 602 includes a distal end 610 and a proximal end612. The distal end 610 terminates substantially flush with a distalsurface 614 of the antenna assembly 600. Antenna assembly 600 alsoincludes a bottom surface 616, from which the inner conductor 602extends by a predetermined distance 618.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the inner conductor 602 is shaped to form apin receptacle (e.g., corresponding to the pin receptacle 402 of FIG.4). The proximal end 612 of the inner conductor 602 includes an openingthat opens onto a pin retention cavity (e.g., corresponding to the pinretention cavity 404 of FIG. 4) within the inner conductor 602. Duringthe assembly, a feedthrough pin (e.g., corresponding to the feedthroughpin 502 of FIG. 5A) extending from a device housing 605 is received intothe opening and extends into the pin retention cavity within the innerconductor 602. One or more spring arms (e.g., corresponding to thespring arms 410 of FIG. 4) physically and electrically engage thefeedthrough pin when the feedthrough pin is inserted into the pinretention cavity of the inner conductor 602.

The outer conductor 606 has one or more ground arms 620 evenlydistributed about a perimeter of the outer conductor 606. The groundarms 620 extend from the bottom surface 616 of the antenna assembly 600in a direction generally away from the antenna assembly 600. The groundarms 620 have a distal end 624 positioned near the bottom surface 616 ofthe antenna assembly. The ground arms 620 have a proximal end 626located remote from the bottom surface 616. In the illustratedembodiment, three ground arms 620 extend from the bottom surface 616 ofthe antenna assembly 600. Optionally, the antenna assembly may have anynumber of ground arms 620. For example, the antenna assembly maycomprise one or two ground arms. Additionally or alternatively, theantenna assembly may have more than three ground arms.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the ground arms 620 have arectangular cross-section and are elongated along the longitudinal axis608. Optionally, the ground arms 620 may have any alternativecross-sectional shape. Additionally or alternatively, the ground arms620 may have a common cross-section shape and/or size, or uniquecross-section shapes and/or sizes.

The inner conductor 602 and the ground arms 620 extend in a commondirection from the bottom surface 616 of the antenna assembly 600. Theground arms 620 extend from the bottom surface 616 by a length similarto or longer than the length of the inner conductor 602. For example,the ground arms 620 may extend by the predetermined distance 618.

The pin receptacle of the inner conductor 602 receives the feedthroughpin when the antenna assembly 600 is joined to the device housing 605.The one or more spring arms of the pin receptacle electrically andphysically engage the feedthrough pin when the feedthrough pin isinserted into the pin retention cavity.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an antenna assemblyassembled to a device housing. An antenna assembly 700 has an innerconductor 702, a dielectric material 704, and an outer conductor 706(corresponding to the inner conductor, dielectric material, and outerconductor 102, 104, 106 of FIG. 1). The inner conductor 702, dielectricmaterial 704 and outer conductor 706 are arranged relative to oneanother to form a coaxial structure. The antenna assembly 700 mayutilize various coaxial structures. The coaxial structure includes agenerally tubular cross-section, with the inner conductor, dielectricmaterial and outer conductor elongated to extend along a longitudinalaxis 708. The inner conductor 702, the dielectric material 704 and theouter conductor 706 are formed concentrically about the longitudinalaxis 708.

The inner conductor 702 includes a distal end 710 and a proximal end712. The distal end 710 terminates substantially flush with a distalsurface 714 of the antenna assembly 700. Antenna assembly 700 alsoincludes a bottom surface 716, from which the inner conductor 702extends by a predetermined distance 718.

The proximal end 712 of the inner conductor 702 includes an opening thatopens onto a pin retention cavity (e.g., corresponding to the pinretention cavity 404 of FIG. 4) within the pin receptacle of the innerconductor 702.

The antenna assembly 700 includes a grounding bar 720 that has a distalend 724 and a proximal end 726. The distal end 724 is physically andelectrically engaged with a perimeter of the outer conductor 706. Theproximal end 726 is physically and electrically engaged with a proximatesurface 722 of the device housing 705. The grounding bar 720 has anL-shape profile with a plane of the distal end 724 generallyperpendicular with a plane of the proximal end 726.

Optionally, the grounding bar 720 may utilize alternative positions,shapes and/or sizes in order to physically and electrically engage theouter conductor 706 with the device housing 705.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an implantable medical device(IMD) in accordance with an embodiment herein. FIG. 9 illustrates amethod for providing an IMD in accordance with an embodiment herein. Theoperations of FIG. 9 will be described in connection with FIG. 8.

An IMD 800 has a device housing 805. At 902 of FIG. 9, the processincludes assembling the device housing 805 having electronic componentstherein. Examples of the various electronic components are describedherein. The electronic components may include a memory, sensingcircuitry to sense cardiac signals of interest, one or more processorsto perform monitoring operations, transceiver circuitry to communicatewith external devices and other components of the like. The memory,processors, and other electronic components are assembled within thedevice housing 805 formed of a biocompatible material.

At 904, the process includes joining a feedthrough assembly to thedevice housing 805. The housing 805 includes a feedthrough opening atone end The feedthrough assembly is welded to the feedthrough opening,thereby hermetically sealing the interior of the device housing 805.

The IMD 800 has a header assembly 802. At 906, the header assembly 802is assembled by embedding the antenna assembly 100, a rechargeable coil804, and one or more metallic components (e.g., sensor leads,receptacles, connector blocks or the like) within a header body 806. Therechargeable coil 804 extends about a majority of the header body 806.For example, the rechargeable coil 804 includes one or more windingsthat extend along a length of the header assembly 802. A portion of thewindings extend along bottom, end, and distal edges of the headerassembly 802. The antenna assembly 100 is oriented with the bottomsurface 116 facing towards the feedthrough pin 502 and the groundfeedthrough pin 504 extending from the feedthrough assembly of thedevice housing 805.

At 908, the header assembly 802 is assembled to the device housing 805.The process of assembly includes the antenna assembly 100 operablyconnecting with the electronic components within the device housing 805.For example, the one or more spring arms of the inner conductor andground conductor 102, 128 of the antenna assembly 100 are physically andelectrically engaged with the feedthrough pin 502 and ground feedthroughpin 504 (FIG. 5A). Additionally, the rechargeable coil 804 is operablyconnected with the electronic components within the device housing 805.The header assembly 802 is welded to the device housing 805, therebyhermetically sealing the IMD 800. For example, the header assembly 802assembled to the device housing 805 encloses the antenna assembly 100and the feedthrough assembly.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates an alternative cross-section of an antennaassembly 1000. The antenna assembly 1000 includes an inner conductor1002, a dielectric material 1004, and an outer conductor 1006. The outerconductor 1006 and the dielectric material 1004 have a generally uniformoval cross-section shape, and the inner conductor 1002 has a circularcross-section. The dielectric material 1004 surrounds a perimeter of theinner conductor 1002, while the outer conductor 1006 surrounds aperimeter of the dielectric material 1004. The inner conductor 1002,dielectric material 1004 and outer conductor 1006 are arranged relativeto one another to form an eccentric structure. The inner conductor 1002,dielectric material 1004 and outer conductor 1006 are elongated toextend along a longitudinal axis 1008.

FIG. 10C illustrates a perspective view of a ground conductor 1028 inaccordance with an embodiment herein. The ground conductor 1028 andinner conductor 1002 are generally the same shape and size. Only theground conductor 1028 will be described in more detail.

The ground conductor 1028 has a circular cross-section and is generallytubular along the longitudinal axis 1008 between a distal end 1030 and aproximal end 1032. The ground conductor 1028 has a header portion 1046positioned proximate the distal end 1030 and a bottom portion 1048positioned proximate the proximal end 1032. A body portion 1042 extendsbetween the header portion 1046 and the bottom portion 1048. The headerportion 1046, the body portion 1042 and the bottom portion 1048 aregenerally concentric. The body portion 1042 has a length that is longerrelative to a length of the header portion 1046 and a length of thebottom portion 1048.

The ground conductor 1028 is tapered between the distal and proximalends 1030, 1032. For example, a diameter of the header portion 1046 issmaller relative to a diameter of the body portion 1042, and thediameter of the body portion 1042 is smaller relative to a diameter ofthe bottom portion 1048.

Returning to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the ground conductor 1028 is moldedwithin an opening of the antenna assembly 1000. The distal end 1030terminates substantially flush with the distal surface 1014 of theantenna assembly 1000.

The dielectric material 1004 surrounds a perimeter of the header portion1046 at the distal surface 1014. The bottom portion 1048 of the groundconductor 1028 extends from a bottom surface 1016. A perimeter of thebody portion 1042 is surrounded partially by the dielectric material1004 and partially by the outer conductor 1006. The proximal end 1032touches the outer conductor 1006 at the bottom surface 1016 of theantenna assembly 1000. For example, the ground conductor 1028 iselectrically and physically engaged with the outer conductor 1006.

The inner conductor 1002 and the ground conductor 1028 are positioned inorder to receive a feedthrough pin and a ground feedthrough pin (e.g.,corresponding to the feedthrough pin 502 and the ground feedthrough pin504 of FIG. 5A).

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative cross-section of an antenna assembly1100. The antenna assembly 1100 corresponds to the antenna assembly 1000of FIGS. 10A and 10B. An outer conductor 1106 and a dielectric material1104 have a concentric rectangular cross-section with parallel sidewalls 1120, 1122, and parallel end walls 1124, 1126. An inner conductor1102 has a circular cross-section. The inner conductor 1102, dielectricmaterial 1104, and outer conductor 1106 extend along a longitudinal axis1108.

A ground conductor 1128 (corresponding to the ground conductor 1028 ofFIG. 10C) is assembled with the antenna assembly 1100. A perimeter of abody portion (e.g., body portion 1042 of FIG. 10C) is surroundedpartially by the dielectric material 1104 and partially by the outerconductor 1106. The ground conductor 1128 is electrically and physicallyengaged with the outer conductor 1106. The inner conductor 1102 and theground conductor 1128 are positioned in order to receive a feedthroughpin and a ground feedthrough pin (e.g., corresponding to the feedthroughpin 502 and the ground feedthrough pin 504 of FIG. 5A).

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11 illustrate an antenna assembly having an outerconductor and a dielectric material with a common, concentriccross-section. Optionally, the outer conductor may have cross-sectionthat is unique relative to the dielectric material.

The various methods as illustrated in the FIGS. and described hereinrepresent exemplary embodiments of methods. The methods may beimplemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. In variousof the methods, the order of the steps may be changed, and variouselements may be added, reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc.Various of the steps may be performed automatically (e.g., without beingdirectly prompted by user input) and/or programmatically (e.g.,according to program instructions).

Various modifications and changes may be made as would be obvious to aperson skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. It isintended to embrace all such modifications and changes and, accordingly,the above description is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than arestrictive sense.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made thereuntowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus,while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modificationsand alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereofare shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. Itshould be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructionsand equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the disclosed embodiments (especially in thecontext of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both thesingular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearlycontradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including”and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term“connected,” when unmodified and referring to physical connections, isto be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to orjoined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation ofranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthandmethod of referring individually to each separate value falling withinthe range, unless otherwise indicated herein and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. The use of the term “set” (e.g., “a set of items”) or “subset”unless otherwise noted or contradicted by context, is to be construed asa nonempty collection comprising one or more members. Further, unlessotherwise noted or contradicted by context, the term “subset” of acorresponding set does not necessarily denote a proper subset of thecorresponding set, but the subset and the corresponding set may beequal.

All references, including publications, patent applications and patents,cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent asif each reference were individually and specifically indicated to beincorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

It is to be understood that the subject matter described herein is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and thearrangement of components set forth in the description herein orillustrated in the drawings hereof. The subject matter described hereinis capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of beingcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedembodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination witheach other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the inventionwithout departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types ofmaterials and coatings described herein are intended to define theparameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and areexemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope ofthe invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and“in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respectiveterms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, theterms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels,and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expresslyuse the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void offurther structure.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An implantable medical device, comprising: a devicehousing having electronic components therein; a feedthrough assemblyjoined to the device housing; an antenna assembly; a header body mountedto the device housing and enclosing the antenna assembly and feedthroughassembly; the antenna assembly including an inner conductor, an outerconductor and a dielectric material disposed between the inner conductorand the outer conductor, wherein the inner conductor, the dielectricmaterial and the outer conductor are concentrically arranged relative toone another about a longitudinal axis to form a tubular coaxialstructure, and the dielectric material surrounds a perimeter of theinner conductor and the outer conductor surrounds a perimeter of thedielectric material; and the antenna assembly is formed with an ellipseshaped cross-section that includes a major portion and a minor portion,the major portion corresponding to the tubular coaxial structure formedof the inner and outer conductors and dielectric material.
 22. Thedevice of claim 21, wherein the header body includes metallic componentscomprising at least one of a sensor electrode and receptacles configuredto receive terminals on a lead, the tubular coaxial structure avoidingRF coupling with the metallic components.
 23. The device of claim 22,wherein the minor portion has a smaller diameter, relative to a diameterof the major portion, the minor portion including a ground conductorhaving a distal end fixed within an opening in the outer conductor, theinner and ground conductors extending in a common direction from abottom surface of the antenna assembly.
 24. The device of claim 23,wherein the inner conductor is elongated with a proximal end and adistal end, the inner conductor extending from a bottom surface of theantenna assembly by a predetermined length to at least partially tunethe antenna assembly to a select communication frequency.
 25. The deviceof claim 23, wherein the antenna assembly includes a distal surfacewhere the inner conductor, dielectric material and outer conductorterminate, the antenna assembly configured to generate RF fields betweenthe inner and outer conductors at the distal surface in connection withRF communications.
 26. The device of claim 23, further comprising a pinreceptacle mounted within the header body, the pin receptacleelectrically coupled to the antenna assembly.
 27. The device of claim23, further comprising a pin receptacle, wherein the pin receptacleincludes a pin retention cavity therein including a proximal end that isopen to receive a feedthrough pin when the header body is mounted on thefeedthrough assembly and the device housing.
 28. The device of claim 27,wherein the pin receptacle includes a spring mounted within the pinretention cavity, the spring configured to physically and electricallyengage the feedthrough pin when inserted into the pin retention cavity.29. An implantable medical device, comprising: a device housing havingelectronic components therein; a feedthrough assembly joined to thedevice housing, the feedthrough assembly including a feedthrough pincoupled to the electronic components within the device housing, thefeedthrough pin having a distal end extending from the feedthroughassembly; an antenna assembly; a header body enclosing the antennaassembly; a pin receptacle mounted within the header body, the pinreceptacle electrically coupled to the antenna assembly, the pinreceptacle including a pin retention cavity therein, the pin receptacleincluding a proximal end that is open to the pin retention cavity, thefeedthrough pin configured to be inserted into the pin retention cavitywhen the header body is mounted on the feedthrough assembly and thedevice housing; the pin receptacle including a spring mounted within thepin retention cavity, the spring configured to physically andelectrically engage the feedthrough pin when inserted into the pinretention cavity; and the antenna assembly including an inner conductor,an outer conductor and a dielectric material disposed between the innerconductor and the outer conductor, wherein the inner conductor, thedielectric material and the outer conductor are concentrically arrangedrelative to one another to form a tubular coaxial structure having alongitudinal axis, the dielectric material surrounds a perimeter of theinner conductor and the outer conductor surrounds a perimeter of thedielectric material.
 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the antennaassembly is formed with an ellipse shaped cross-section that includes amajor portion and a minor portion, the major portion corresponding tothe coaxial structure formed of the inner and outer conductors anddielectric material.
 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the minorportion has a smaller diameter relative to the diameter of the majorportion, the minor portion including a ground conductor having a distalend fixed within an opening in the outer conductor, the inner and groundconductors extending in a common direction from a bottom surface of theantenna assembly.